By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, May 20: The scale of fees (SoF) for registered consultants with the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) should be reviewed as it has remained unchanged for 37 years, says Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Sarawak Datuk Aidel Lariwoo.
Lariwoo, an engineer by profession, expressed his personal view that the SoF could even be brought to the attention of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Finance (MOF) to better support and benefit all JKR consultants in Sarawak.
Aidel expressed hope that Sarawak JKR director Cassidy Morris could help address the matter amicably, noting that his recent appointment as chairman of the Scale of Fees Malaysia under the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) placed him in a key position to do so.
“I am confident that he (Cassidy) will advocate for the 237 registered consultants here in Sarawak and ensure that payments to our consultants are made in accordance with at least the SoF,” Aidel said.
He said this at the official closing of the JKR Sarawak Strategic Engagement with Consultants 2025, held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today, where he represented Deputy Premier and Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Sarawak Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
Aidel, who is also the assemblyman for Sadong Jaya, assured that the Sarawak government will continue to support the development and growth of the state’s local consultancy industry.
“We (the Sarawak Government) expect the industry to evolve into one that is more capable, accountable, and future-ready,” he said.
He said this is why the Sarawak government is prepared to review policies such as the SoF and the Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) requirements, which must be matched to the culture of professional excellence and innovation.
He encouraged participants to take what they had learned and to reflect on the feedback received and move forward with a purpose.
“The road ahead may be demanding, but with the shared and concerted commitment, I am confident we can achieve the vision and goals of PCDS 2030 to deliver lasting impact for the people of Sarawak.
“Let us continue to collaborate to ensure that our built environment reflects the fundamentals of quality, sustainability, and innovation,” he said.
Ministry for Infrastructure and Port Development Sarawak permanent secretary Datu Chiew Chee Yau and Cassidy were also present. — DayakDaily
